Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core values at E. H. Butler Library, as they are core values to librarianship. Butler Library adopts the policy objectives of the American Library Association (ALA) pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We strive to create accessible and equitable physical and digital learning environments. We regularly assess our spaces and resources to ensure that no barriers exist to library and information services.
We celebrate the diverse nature of humanity and the unique essence of all individuals. While this guide addresses several identities, we acknowledge that these identities are not singular. We do not categorize by these identities, and we recognize that people encapsulate multiple characteristics within their identity. We celebrate these characteristics in the spirit of what Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw termed as intersectionality. Intersectionality is broadly defined as “the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage; a theoretical approach based on such a premise” (Oxford English Dictionary).
E. H. Butler Library seeks to raise awareness of social justice through recognizing the voices of all people. This guide attempts to continue the dialogue of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We aim to further the cause of social justice and create an inclusive environment for the students, faculty, staff, and community of SUNY Buffalo State College. We welcome your suggestions to improve this guide. Please fill out this feedback form and help us improve this guide.
Diversity can be broadly defined to include all aspects of human difference, including but not limited to, age, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression and identity, language heritage, learning style, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, social-economic status, status as a veteran and world-view. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focuses in particular on achieving equal access, meaningful academic and intellectual inclusion in curriculum, research, and service, and holistic integration into the academic culture of higher education at all levels for New York State’s underrepresented populations and students who are economically disadvantaged.
Buffalo State supports diversity of thought, diversity of experience, and diversity of values. The college is dedicated to a visible commitment to these ideals by affirming and respecting differences in all interactions. Toward this goal, the college provides equitable opportunity and access through innovative recruiting, professional development and education programs that enrich the total academic experience and enhance the quality of life.
E. H. Butler Library defines diversity to include, but not limit to, age, gender & gender identity, culture, race, religion, spirituality, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and ability. E. H. Butler Library promotes diversity in all areas of policy, curriculum, and collection development to enhance and enrich learning environments and celebrate the diverse nature of our community and planet.
Equity is the result of upholding fairness and social justice to ensure equitable and fair access to resources for all people. E. H. Butler is committed to practicing, enacting, and evaluating equitable practice to all patrons, students, faculty, and staff of Butler Library.
Inclusion is the practice of welcoming and including all people in the physical and virtual spaces of Butler Library. Additionally, inclusive practices will be implemented into all policy and collection development decisions and discussion.
The Butler Library DEIA task force endeavors to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible library environments by researching best practices and executing internal and campus-wide initiatives. We uphold the virtues and standards of the Association of College and Research Library's (ACRL) Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries (2012). The members of this Task Force are Listed Below:
The Library Accessibility Group is tasked to oversee the Electronic & Information Technology accessibility initiatives set by the Buffalo State Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility campus plan.
E. H. Butler Library is committed to upholding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive collection development policy. Butler Library espouses the belief that access to diverse and inclusive resources creates a foundational knowledge of respect and appreciation for the experiences of all people.
As we collaborate on the selection of resources that support the coursework and curriculum of SUNY Buffalo State College, we understand the necessity of multiple perspectives, historical and contemporary. We observe and maintain Standard #4 of the Association of College & Research Libraries Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries: “Librarians and library staff shall develop collections and provide programs and services that are inclusive of the needs of all persons in the community the library serves.” This involves:
E. H. Butler Library strives for an equitable and accessible physical and virtual environment. We celebrate diversity and diverse perspectives. Our collection development policies will reflect viewpoints from an extensive spectrum.
This LibGuide is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License
The above statements and policies were derived by working task groups and committees of E. H. Butler Library.
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